The recognition comes after 36-year-old Petushkov won a record six gold medals in biathlon and cross-country skiing at the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games.

The U.S Sports Academy has named Russian sit skier Roman Petushkov as the 2014 recipient of the Academy’s prestigious Juan Antonio Samaranch IOC Disabled Athlete Award.

The recognition comes after 36-year-old Petushkov won a record six gold medals in biathlon and cross-country skiing at the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games.

In biathlon, he won the men's 7.5km, 12.5km and 15km sitting distances, and in cross-country skiing he captured gold in the men's 1km sprint and 15km sitting events, as well as the 4x2.5km open relay.

The Samaranch Award is presented annually to a physically or mentally challenged athlete who displays courage, desire, and athletic ability in the face of adversity to achieve the goals set forth in the athlete’s particular arena of competition.

In February 2006, Roman was involved in a car accident which resulted in both of his legs being amputated. According to doctors, there was minimal chance of survival.

As soon as he was able to leave the hospital, Petushkov began training, and it was not long before this training produced results. He earned silver and bronze medals at the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games and then victories at the Sochi 2014 Games.

Petushkov says that sport taught him how to be strong, not to back off when facing the challenge, to work hard no matter what and to always do his best.

Last year, Tatyana McFadden won the award for performance after winning the 2013 Boston and London Wheelchair races. She was also won gold medals at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

The United States Sports Academy’s Award of Sport program is a long-standing awards programme within the Academy, dating back to 1985. The recipients of the awards will be recognised in an awards ceremony in November.

The United States Sports Academy is an independent, non-profit, accredited, special mission Sports University created to serve the nation and world with programmes in instruction, research, and service.

For further information, please visit the U.S. Sports Academy website.